Strictly's Katya Jones sends cheeky birthday message to ex-husband Neil - 'It will forever mean one thing'
Strictly Come Dancing star Katya Jones has sent a playful birthday message to ex-husband Neil, declaring that his special day will "forever mean one thing." The professional dancer, 33, who won the show in 2017 with her celebrity partner Joe McFadden, shared a throwback picture on her Instagram story of Neil as a baby.
She captioned the adorable image: "Happy Birthday Neil Jones," followed by a tongue out and winking emoji.
But the star, who married Neil in August 2013 before they announced their separation in 2019, teased that Neil's birthday has a whole different meaning to her now. She wrote: "Neil's birthday will forever mean one thing.... Happy Friendiversary to my absolute favourite."
The star then dedicated an Instagram post to her best friend, Team GB Winter Olympian and broadcaster Aimee Fuller.
Katya previously revealed that the close pals met through attending her ex Neil's birthday party.
She told Hello: "We actually met through Neil, my ex-husband. I went to his birthday party in 2021, and Aimee was a big part of it because she introduced him to wake surfing; we spent his birthday wake surfing with a group of people, and Aimee was one of them, and we got on so well. That was it, the start of the adventure."
Aimee also dedicated a post to Katya, sharing a snap of them having a snooze together on a plane, with the caption: "Happy Frienneversary to my main squeeze. Love ya my friend.
"And yes a Friennaversary is a thing. Neil Jones thanks for introducing me to my partner in crime. It's your fault."
The besties then both shared a series of fun memories together, including workouts, wakeboarding on a sun-soaked holiday, and enjoying nights out together.
Katya previously told Hello why the pair grew so close, saying: "There's a few things. We're in a similar stage in life, a similar age, we've lived that high-intensity career working hard to achieve our dreams and now we've come to a place where we're both single – we bond over a lot. We love a good chat and share the same morals and values in life. These things are really important to us."
Aimee added: "I'd say we're each other's biggest supporters, both in and out of work. I feel so grateful that I've had Katya there for the last 18 months – it doesn't matter what it is, she's there. I'm so excited for her success and seeing her rise, and that's reciprocated, which is really special in a friendship."
